Templates


Ancient notation template – modern transcription of gregorian music

This example demonstrates how to do modern transcription of Gregorian music. Gregorian music has no measure, no stems; it uses only half and quarter note heads, and special marks, indicating rests of different length.

\include "gregorian.ly"

chant = \relative c' {
  \set Score.timing = ##f
  f4 a2 \divisioMinima
  g4 b a2 f2 \divisioMaior
  g4( f) f( g) a2 \finalis
}

verba = \lyricmode {
  Lo -- rem ip -- sum do -- lor sit a -- met
}

\score {
  \new GregorianTranscriptionStaff <<
    \new GregorianTranscriptionVoice = "melody" \chant
    \new GregorianTranscriptionLyrics = "one" \lyricsto melody \verba
  >>
}

[image of music]


Anglican psalm template

This template shows one way of setting out an Anglican psalm chant. It also shows how the verses may be added as stand-alone text under the music. The two verses are coded in different styles to demonstrate more possibilities.

SopranoMusic = \relative g' {
  g1 | c2 b | a1 | \bar "||"
  a1 | d2 c | c b | c1 | \bar "||"
}

AltoMusic = \relative c' {
  e1 | g2 g | f1 |
  f1 | f2 e | d d | e1 |
}

TenorMusic = \relative a {
  c1 | c2 c | c1 |
  d1 | g,2 g | g g | g1 |
}

BassMusic =  \relative c {
  c1 | e2 e | f1 |
  d1 | b2 c | g' g | c,1 |
}

global = {
  \time 2/2
}

dot = \markup {
  \raise #0.7 \musicglyph "dots.dot"
}

tick = \markup {
  \raise #1 \fontsize #-5 \musicglyph "scripts.rvarcomma"
}

% Use markup to center the chant on the page
\markup {
  \fill-line {
    \score {  % centered
      <<
        \new ChoirStaff <<
          \new Staff <<
            \global
            \clef "treble"
            \new Voice = "Soprano" <<
              \voiceOne
              \SopranoMusic
            >>
            \new Voice = "Alto" <<
              \voiceTwo
              \AltoMusic
            >>
          >>
          \new Staff <<
            \clef "bass"
            \global
            \new Voice = "Tenor" <<
              \voiceOne
              \TenorMusic
            >>
            \new Voice = "Bass" <<
              \voiceTwo
              \BassMusic
            >>
          >>
        >>
      >>
      \layout {
        \context {
          \Score
          \override SpacingSpanner.base-shortest-duration = #(ly:make-moment 1/2)
        }
        \context {
          \Staff
          \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
        }
      }
    }  % End score
  }
}  % End markup

\markup {
  \fill-line {
    \column {
      \left-align {
        \null \null \null
        \line {
          \fontsize #5 O
          \fontsize #3 come
          let us \bold sing | unto \dot the | Lord : let
        }
        \line {
          us heartily
          \concat { re \bold joice }
          in the | strength of | our
        }
        \line {
          sal | vation.
        }
        \null
        \line {
          \hspace #2.5 8. Today if ye will hear his voice *
        }
        \line {
          \concat { \bold hard en }
          \tick not your \tick hearts : as in the pro-
        }
        \line {
          vocation * and as in the \bold day of tempt- \tick
        }
        \line {
          -ation \tick in the \tick wilderness.
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

[image of music]


Hymn template

This code shows one way of setting out a hymn tune when each line starts and ends with a partial measure. It also shows how to add the verses as stand-alone text under the music.

Timeline = {
  \time 4/4
  \tempo 4=96
  \partial 2
  s2 | s1 | s2 \breathe s2 | s1 | s2 \caesura \break
  s2 | s1 | s2 \breathe s2 | s1 | s2 \fine
}

SopranoMusic = \relative g' {
  g4 g | g g g g | g g g g | g g g g | g2
  g4 g | g g g g | g g g g | g g g g | g2
}

AltoMusic = \relative c' {
  d4 d | d d d d | d d d d | d d d d | d2
  d4 d | d d d d | d d d d | d d d d | d2
}

TenorMusic = \relative a {
  b4 b | b b b b | b b b b | b b b b | b2
  b4 b | b b b b | b b b b | b b b b | b2
}

BassMusic =  \relative g {
  g4 g | g g g g | g g g g | g g g g | g2
  g4 g | g g g g | g g g g | g g g g | g2
}

global = {
 \key g \major
}

\score {  % Start score
  <<
    \new PianoStaff <<  % Start pianostaff
      \new Staff <<  % Start Staff = RH
        \global
        \clef "treble"
        \new Voice = "Soprano" <<  % Start Voice = "Soprano"
          \Timeline
          \voiceOne
          \SopranoMusic
        >>  % End Voice = "Soprano"
        \new Voice = "Alto" <<  % Start Voice = "Alto"
          \Timeline
          \voiceTwo
          \AltoMusic
        >>  % End Voice = "Alto"
      >>  % End Staff = RH
      \new Staff <<  % Start Staff = LH
        \global
        \clef "bass"
        \new Voice = "Tenor" <<  % Start Voice = "Tenor"
          \Timeline
          \voiceOne
          \TenorMusic
        >>  % End Voice = "Tenor"
        \new Voice = "Bass" <<  % Start Voice = "Bass"
          \Timeline
          \voiceTwo
          \BassMusic
        >>  % End Voice = "Bass"
      >>  % End Staff = LH
    >>  % End pianostaff
  >>
}  % End score

\markup {
  \fill-line {
    ""
    {
      \column {
        \left-align {
          "This is line one of the first verse"
          "This is line two of the same"
          "And here's line three of the first verse"
          "And the last line of the same"
        }
      }
    }
    ""
  }
}

\layout {
  \context {
    \Score
    caesuraType = #'((bar-line . "||"))
    fineBarType = "||"
  }
}

\paper {  % Start paper block
  indent = 0     % don't indent first system
  line-width = 130   % shorten line length to suit music
}  % End paper block

[image of music]


Jazz combo template

This is quite an advanced template, for a jazz ensemble. Note that all instruments are notated in \key c \major. This refers to the key in concert pitch; the key will be automatically transposed if the music is within a \transpose section.

\header {
  title = "Song"
  subtitle = "(tune)"
  composer = "Me"
  meter = "moderato"
  piece = "Swing"
  tagline = \markup {
    \column {
      "LilyPond example file by Amelie Zapf,"
      "Berlin 07/07/2003"
    }
  }
}
% To make the example display in the documentation
\paper {
  paper-width = 130
}
%#(set-global-staff-size 16)
\include "english.ly"

%%%%%%%%%%%% Some macros %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

sl = {
  \override NoteHead.style = #'slash
  \hide Stem
}
nsl = {
  \revert NoteHead.style
  \undo \hide Stem
}
crOn = \override NoteHead.style = #'cross
crOff = \revert NoteHead.style

%% insert chord name style stuff here.

jazzChords = { }

%%%%%%%%%%%% Keys'n'thangs %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

global = { \time 4/4 }

Key = { \key c \major }

% ############ Horns ############

% ------ Trumpet ------
trpt = \transpose c d \relative c'' {
  \Key
  c1 | c | c |
}
trpHarmony = \transpose c' d {
  \jazzChords
}
trumpet = {
  \global
  \clef treble
  <<
    \trpt
  >>
}

% ------ Alto Saxophone ------
alto = \transpose c a \relative c' {
  \Key
  c1 | c | c |
}
altoHarmony = \transpose c' a {
  \jazzChords
}
altoSax = {
  \global
  \clef treble
  <<
    \alto
  >>
}

% ------ Baritone Saxophone ------
bari = \transpose c a' \relative c {
  \Key
  c1
  c1
  \sl
  d4^"Solo" d d d
  \nsl
}
bariHarmony = \transpose c' a \chordmode {
  \jazzChords s1 s d2:maj e:m7
}
bariSax = {
  \global
  \clef treble
  <<
    \bari
  >>
}

% ------ Trombone ------
tbone = \relative c {
  \Key
  c1 | c | c
}
tboneHarmony = \chordmode {
  \jazzChords
}
trombone = {
  \global
  \clef bass
  <<
    \tbone
  >>
}

% ############ Rhythm Section #############

% ------ Guitar ------
gtr = \relative c'' {
  \Key
  c1
  \sl
  b4 b b b
  \nsl
  c1
}
gtrHarmony = \chordmode {
  \jazzChords
  s1 c2:min7+ d2:maj9
}
guitar = {
  \global
  \clef treble
  <<
    \gtr
  >>
}

%% ------ Piano ------
rhUpper = \relative c'' {
  \voiceOne
  \Key
  c1 | c | c
}
rhLower = \relative c' {
  \voiceTwo
  \Key
  e1 | e | e
}

lhUpper = \relative c' {
  \voiceOne
  \Key
  g1 | g | g
}
lhLower = \relative c {
  \voiceTwo
  \Key
  c1 | c | c
}

PianoRH = {
  \clef treble
  \global
  <<
    \new Voice = "one" \rhUpper
    \new Voice = "two" \rhLower
  >>
}
PianoLH = {
  \clef bass
  \global
  <<
    \new Voice = "one" \lhUpper
    \new Voice = "two" \lhLower
  >>
}

piano = {
  <<
    \new Staff = "upper" \PianoRH
    \new Staff = "lower" \PianoLH
  >>
}

% ------ Bass Guitar ------
Bass = \relative c {
  \Key
  c1 | c | c
}
bass = {
  \global
  \clef bass
  <<
    \Bass
  >>
}

% ------ Drums ------
up = \drummode {
  \voiceOne
  hh4 <hh sn> hh <hh sn>
  hh4 <hh sn> hh <hh sn>
  hh4 <hh sn> hh <hh sn>
}
down = \drummode {
  \voiceTwo
  bd4 s bd s
  bd4 s bd s
  bd4 s bd s
}

drumContents = {
  \global
  <<
    \new DrumVoice \up
    \new DrumVoice \down
  >>
}

%%%%%%%%% It All Goes Together Here %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

\score {
  <<
    \new StaffGroup = "horns" <<
      \new Staff = "trumpet" \with { instrumentName = "Trumpet" }
      \trumpet
      \new Staff = "altosax" \with { instrumentName = "Alto Sax" }
      \altoSax
      \new ChordNames = "barichords" \with { instrumentName = "Trumpet" }
      \bariHarmony
      \new Staff = "barisax" \with { instrumentName = "Bari Sax" }
      \bariSax
      \new Staff = "trombone" \with { instrumentName = "Trombone" }
      \trombone
    >>

    \new StaffGroup = "rhythm" <<
      \new ChordNames = "chords" \gtrHarmony
      \new Staff = "guitar" \with { instrumentName = "Guitar" }
      \guitar
      \new PianoStaff = "piano" \with {
        instrumentName = "Piano"
        midiInstrument = "acoustic grand"
      }
      \piano
      \new Staff = "bass" \with { instrumentName = "Bass" }
      \bass
      \new DrumStaff \with { instrumentName = "Drums" }
      \drumContents
    >>
  >>
  \layout {
    \context { \Staff \RemoveEmptyStaves }
    \context {
      \Score
      \override BarNumber.padding = #3
      \override RehearsalMark.padding = #2
      skipBars = ##t
    }
  }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Orchestra, choir and piano template

This template demonstrates the use of nested StaffGroup and GrandStaff contexts to sub-group instruments of the same type together, and a way to use \transpose so that variables hold music for transposing instruments at concert pitch.

#(set-global-staff-size 17)
\paper {
  indent = 3.0\cm  % add space for instrumentName
  short-indent = 1.5\cm  % add less space for shortInstrumentName
}

fluteMusic = \relative c' { \key g \major g'1 b }

% Pitches as written on a manuscript for Clarinet in A
% are transposed to concert pitch.

clarinetMusic = \transpose c' a
  \relative c'' { \key bes \major bes1 d }

trumpetMusic = \relative c { \key g \major g''1 b }

% Key signature is often omitted for horns

hornMusic = \transpose c' f
  \relative c { d'1 fis }

percussionMusic = \relative c { \key g \major g1 b }

sopranoMusic = \relative c'' { \key g \major g'1 b }

sopranoLyrics = \lyricmode { Lyr -- ics }

altoIMusic = \relative c' { \key g \major g'1 b }

altoIIMusic = \relative c' { \key g \major g'1 b }

altoILyrics =  \sopranoLyrics

altoIILyrics = \lyricmode { Ah -- ah }

tenorMusic = \relative c' { \clef "treble_8" \key g \major g1 b }

tenorLyrics = \sopranoLyrics

pianoRHMusic = \relative c { \key g \major g''1 b }

pianoLHMusic = \relative c { \clef bass \key g \major g1 b }

violinIMusic = \relative c' { \key g \major g'1 b }

violinIIMusic = \relative c' { \key g \major g'1 b }

violaMusic = \relative c { \clef alto \key g \major g'1 b }

celloMusic = \relative c { \clef bass \key g \major g1 b }

bassMusic = \relative c { \clef "bass_8" \key g \major g,1 b }

\score {
  <<
    \new StaffGroup = "StaffGroup_woodwinds" <<
      \new Staff = "Staff_flute" \with { instrumentName = "Flute" }
      \fluteMusic

      \new Staff = "Staff_clarinet" \with {
        instrumentName = \markup { \concat { "Clarinet in B" \flat } }
      }

      % Declare that written Middle C in the music
      % to follow sounds a concert B flat, for
      % output using sounded pitches such as MIDI.
      %\transposition bes

      % Print music for a B-flat clarinet
      \transpose bes c' \clarinetMusic
    >>

    \new StaffGroup = "StaffGroup_brass" <<
      \new Staff = "Staff_hornI" \with { instrumentName = "Horn in F" }
       % \transposition f
        \transpose f c' \hornMusic

      \new Staff = "Staff_trumpet" \with { instrumentName = "Trumpet in  C" }
      \trumpetMusic

    >>
    \new RhythmicStaff = "RhythmicStaff_percussion"
    \with { instrumentName = "Percussion" }
    <<
      \percussionMusic
    >>
    \new PianoStaff \with { instrumentName = "Piano" }
    <<
      \new Staff { \pianoRHMusic }
      \new Staff { \pianoLHMusic }
    >>
    \new ChoirStaff = "ChoirStaff_choir" <<
      \new Staff = "Staff_soprano" \with { instrumentName = "Soprano" }
      \new Voice = "soprano"
      \sopranoMusic

      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "soprano" { \sopranoLyrics }
      \new GrandStaff = "GrandStaff_altos"
      \with { \accepts Lyrics } <<
        \new Staff = "Staff_altoI"  \with { instrumentName = "Alto I" }
        \new Voice = "altoI"
        \altoIMusic

        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "altoI" { \altoILyrics }
        \new Staff = "Staff_altoII" \with { instrumentName = "Alto II" }
        \new Voice = "altoII"
        \altoIIMusic

        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "altoII" { \altoIILyrics }
      >>

      \new Staff = "Staff_tenor" \with { instrumentName = "Tenor" }
        \new Voice = "tenor"
        \tenorMusic

      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "tenor" { \tenorLyrics }
    >>
    \new StaffGroup = "StaffGroup_strings" <<
      \new GrandStaff = "GrandStaff_violins" <<
        \new Staff = "Staff_violinI" \with { instrumentName = "Violin I" }
        \violinIMusic

        \new Staff = "Staff_violinII" \with { instrumentName = "Violin II" }
        \violinIIMusic
      >>

      \new Staff = "Staff_viola" \with { instrumentName = "Viola" }
      \violaMusic

      \new Staff = "Staff_cello" \with { instrumentName = "Cello" }
      \celloMusic

      \new Staff = "Staff_bass" \with { instrumentName = "Double Bass" }
      \bassMusic
    >>
  >>
  \layout { }
}

[image of music]


Piano template (simple)

Here is a simple piano staff with some notes.

upper = \relative c'' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

lower = \relative c {
  \clef bass
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a2 c
}

\score {
  \new PianoStaff \with { instrumentName = "Piano" }
  <<
    \new Staff = "upper" \upper
    \new Staff = "lower" \lower
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Piano template with centered lyrics

Instead of having a full staff for the melody and lyrics, lyrics can be centered between the staves of a piano staff.

upper = \relative c'' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

lower = \relative c {
  \clef bass
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a2 c
}

text = \lyricmode {
  Aaa Bee Cee Dee
}

\score {
  \new PianoStaff <<
    \new Staff = upper { \new Voice = "singer" \upper }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "singer" \text
    \new Staff = lower { \lower }
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Piano template with melody and lyrics

Here is a typical song format: one staff with the melody and lyrics, with piano accompaniment underneath.

melody = \relative c'' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a b c d
}

text = \lyricmode {
  Aaa Bee Cee Dee
}

upper = \relative c'' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

lower = \relative c {
  \clef bass
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a2 c
}

\score {
  <<
    \new Voice = "mel" { \autoBeamOff \melody }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto mel \text
    \new PianoStaff <<
      \new Staff = "upper" \upper
      \new Staff = "lower" \lower
    >>
  >>
  \layout {
    \context { \Staff \RemoveEmptyStaves }
  }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


SATB Choir template - four staves

SATB choir template (four staves)

global = {
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4
  \dynamicUp
}
sopranonotes = \relative c'' {
  c2 \p \< d c d \f
}
sopranowords = \lyricmode { do do do do }
altonotes = \relative c'' {
  c2\p d c d
}
altowords = \lyricmode { re re re re }
tenornotes = {
  \clef "G_8"
  c2\mp d c d
}
tenorwords = \lyricmode { mi mi mi mi }
bassnotes = {
  \clef bass
  c2\mf d c d
}
basswords = \lyricmode { mi mi mi mi }

\score {
  \new ChoirStaff <<
    \new Staff <<
      \new Voice = "soprano" <<
        \global
        \sopranonotes
      >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "soprano" \sopranowords
    >>
    \new Staff <<
      \new Voice = "alto" <<
        \global
        \altonotes
      >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "alto" \altowords
    >>
    \new Staff <<
      \new Voice = "tenor" <<
        \global
        \tenornotes
      >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "tenor" \tenorwords
    >>
    \new Staff <<
      \new Voice = "bass" <<
        \global
        \bassnotes
      >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "bass" \basswords
    >>
  >>
}

[image of music]


Score for diatonic accordion

A template to write a score for a diatonic accordion.

- There is a horizontal staff indicating if the accordion must be pushed (thick line) or pulled (thin line)

- There is a small rhythmic staff with lyrics that describes the bass buttons to press. The bar lines are made from gridlines

- The tabulator staff for diatonic accordions shows the geographic position of the buttons and not (as for every other instrument) the pitch of the notes; the keys on the melody-side of the accordion are placed in three columns and about 12 rows

In the tabulator staff notation the outermost column is described with notes between lines, the innermost column is described with notes between lines and a cross as accidental, and the middle column is described with notes on a line, whereby the row in the middle is represented on the middle line in the staff.

Some words to transpose piano notes to the diatonic accordion:

1. Every diatonic accordion is built for some keys only (for example, for the keys of C major and F major), so it is important to transpose a piano melody to match one of these keys. Transpose the source code, not only the output because this code is required later on to translate it once more to the tabulator staff. This can be done with the command displayLilyMusic.

2. You have to alternate the push- and pull-direction of the accordion regularly. If the player has a too long part to pull the accordion gets broken. On the other hand, some harmonies are only available in one direction. Considering this, decide which parts of the melody are the push-parts and which the pull-parts.

3. For each pull- or push-part translate the piano notes to the according tabulature representation.

verse = \lyricmode { Wie gross bist du! Wie gross bist du! }

harmonies = \new ChordNames \chordmode {
  \germanChords
  \set chordChanges = ##t
  bes8 bes8 bes8
  es2 f
  bes1
}

NoStem = { \hide Stem }
NoNoteHead = \hide NoteHead
ZeroBeam = \override Beam.positions = #'(0 . 0)

staffTabLine = \new Staff \with {
  \remove "Time_signature_engraver"
  \remove "Clef_engraver"
} {
  \override Staff.StaffSymbol.line-positions = #'(0)
  % Shows one horizontal line. The vertical line
  %  (simulating a bar-line) is simulated with a gridline
  \set Staff.midiInstrument = #"choir aahs"
  \key c \major
  \relative c''
  {
    % disable the following line to see the noteheads while writing the song
    \NoNoteHead
    \override NoteHead.no-ledgers = ##t

    % The beam between 8th-notes is used to draw the push-line
    %How to fast write the push-lines:
    %  1. write repeatedly 'c c c c c c c c |' for the whole length of the song
    %  2. uncomment the line \NoNoteHead
    %  3. compile
    %  4. Mark the positions on which push/pull changes.
    %     In the score-picture click on the position
    %        the push- or pull-part starts
    %           (on the noteHead, the cursor will change to a hand-icon).
    %     The cursor in the source code will jump just at this position.
    %   a) If a push-part starts there, replace the 'c' by an 'e['
    %   b) If a pull-part starts there, replace the 'c' by an 's'
    %  5. Switch into 'overwrite-mode' by pressing the 'ins' key.
    %  6. For the pull-parts overwrite the 'c' with 's'
    %  7. For every push-part replace the last 'c' with 'e]'
    %        8. Switch into 'insert-mode' again
    %  9. At last it should look like e.g.
    %        (s s e[ c | c c c c c c c c | c c c c c c e] s s)
    % 10. re-enable the line \NoNoteHead
    \autoBeamOff
    \ZeroBeam
    s8 s s e[ c c c c c c e] | s s s s s
  }
}

% Accordion melody in tabulator score
% 1. Place a copy of the piano melody below
% 2. Separate piano melody into pull- and push-parts
%      according to the staffTabLine you've already made
% 3. For each line: Double the line. Remark the 1st one
%      (Keeps unchanged as reference) and then change the second
%      line using the transformation paper
%    or the macros 'conv2diaton push.bsh' and 'conv2diaton pull.bsh'
% Tips:
% - In jEdit Search & Replace mark the Option 'Keep Dialog'

AccordionTabTwoCBesDur = {
  % pull 1
  %<f' bes'>8 <f' a'>8 <d' bes'>8 |
  <g'' a''>8 <g'' b''>8 <e'' a''>8 |
  % push 2
  %<g' c''>4 <f' d''> <g' ees''> <f' a'> |
  <g'' a''>4 <d'' eisis''> <g'' bisis''> <d'' f''> |
  % pull 3
  % <f' bes'>2 r8 }
  <g'' a''>2 r8 }

AccordionTab= { \dynamicUp
  % 1. Place a copy of the piano melody above
  % 2. Separate piano melody into pull- and push-parts
  %      according to the staffTabLine you've already made
  % 3. For each line: Double the line. Remark the 1st one
  %      (Keeps unchanged as reference) and then
  %      change the second line using the transformation paper
  % Tips:
  % - In jEdit Search & Replace mark the Option 'Keep Dialog'
  % -
  \AccordionTabTwoCBesDur
}



\layout {
  \context {
    \Score
    % The vertical line (simulating a bar-line) in
    % the staffBassRhythm is a gridline
    \consists "Grid_line_span_engraver"
  }
  \context {
    \Staff
    \consists "Grid_point_engraver"
    gridInterval = #(ly:make-moment 4/4) % 4/4 - tact. How many beats per bar
    % The following line has to be adjusted O-F-T-E-N.
    \override GridPoint.Y-extent = #'(-2 . -21)
  }
  \context {
    \ChoirStaff
    \remove "System_start_delimiter_engraver"
  }
}

staffVoice = \new Staff = astaffvoice  {
  \time 4/4
  \set Staff.instrumentName = "Voice"
  \set Staff.midiInstrument = "voice oohs"
  \key bes \major
  \partial 8*3
  \clef treble
  {
    \context Voice = "melodyVoi"
    {
      <f' bes'>8 <f' a'>8 <d' bes'>8 |
      <g' c''>4 <f' d''> <g' es''> <f' a'> |
      <f' bes'>2 r8
    }
    \bar "|."
  }
}

staffAccordionMel =
\new Staff  \with { \remove "Clef_engraver" } {
  \accidentalStyle forget %Set the accidentals (Vorzeichen) for each note,
  %do not remember them for the rest of the measure.
  \time 4/4
  \set Staff.instrumentName="Accordion"
  \set Staff.midiInstrument="voice oohs"
  \key c \major
  \clef treble
  { \AccordionTab \bar "|." }
}

AltOn =
#(define-music-function (mag) (number?)
  #{ \override Stem.length = #(* 7.0 mag)
      \override NoteHead.font-size =
#(inexact->exact (* (/ 6.0 (log 2.0)) (log mag))) #})

AltOff = {
  \revert Stem.length
  \revert NoteHead.font-size
}

BassRhythm = {s4 s8 | c2 c2 | c2 s8 }
LyricBassRhythmI=  \lyricmode { c b | c }

staffBassRhythm =
\new Staff = staffbass \with { \remove "Clef_engraver" } {
  % This is not a RhythmicStaff  because it must be possible to append lyrics.

  \override Score.GridLine.extra-offset = #'( 13.0 . 0.0 ) % x.y
  \override Staff.StaffSymbol.line-positions = #'( 0 )
  % Shows one horizontal line. The vertical line
  %  (simulating a bar-line) is simulated by a grid
  % Search for 'grid' in this page to find all related functions
  \time 4/4
  {
    \context Voice = "VoiceBassRhythm"
    \stemDown \AltOn #0.6
    \relative c''
    {
      \BassRhythm
    }
    \AltOff
    \bar "|."
  }
}

\score {
  \new ChoirStaff <<
    \harmonies
    \staffVoice
    \context Lyrics = "lmelodyVoi"
      \with { alignBelowContext = astaffvoice }
      \lyricsto melodyVoi \verse
    \staffAccordionMel
    \staffTabLine
    \staffBassRhythm
    \context Lyrics = "lBassRhythmAboveI"
      \with { alignAboveContext = staffbass }
      \lyricsto VoiceBassRhythm \LyricBassRhythmI
  >>
}

[image of music]


Single staff template with notes, lyrics, and chords

This template allows the preparation of a song with melody, words, and chords.

melody = \relative c' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

text = \lyricmode {
  Aaa Bee Cee Dee
}

harmonies = \chordmode {
  a2 c
}

\score {
  <<
    \new ChordNames {
      \set chordChanges = ##t
      \harmonies
    }
    \new Voice = "one" { \autoBeamOff \melody }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "one" \text
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Single staff template with notes, lyrics, chords and frets

Here is a simple lead sheet template with melody, lyrics, chords and fret diagrams.

verseI = \lyricmode {
  \set stanza = #"1."
  This is the first verse
}

verseII = \lyricmode {
  \set stanza = #"2."
  This is the second verse.
}

theChords = \chordmode {
  % insert chords for chordnames and fretboards here
  c2 g4 c
}

staffMelody = \relative c' {
   \key c \major
   \clef treble
   % Type notes for melody here
   c4 d8 e f4 g
   \bar "|."
}

\score {
  <<
    \context ChordNames { \theChords }
    \context FretBoards { \theChords }
    \new Staff {
      \context Voice = "voiceMelody" { \staffMelody }
    }
    \new Lyrics = "lyricsI" {
      \lyricsto "voiceMelody" \verseI
    }
    \new Lyrics = "lyricsII" {
      \lyricsto "voiceMelody" \verseII
    }
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Single staff template with notes and chords

Want to prepare a lead sheet with a melody and chords? Look no further!

melody = \relative c' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  f4 e8[ c] d4 g
  a2 ~ a
}

harmonies = \chordmode {
  c4:m f:min7 g:maj c:aug
  d2:dim b4:5 e:sus
}

\score {
  <<
    \new ChordNames {
      \set chordChanges = ##t
      \harmonies
    }
    \new Staff \melody
  >>
  \layout{ }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Single staff template with notes and lyrics

This small template demonstrates a simple melody with lyrics. Cut and paste, add notes, then words for the lyrics. This example turns off automatic beaming, which is common for vocal parts. To use automatic beaming, change or comment out the relevant line.

melody = \relative c' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

text = \lyricmode {
  Aaa Bee Cee Dee
}

\score{
  <<
    \new Voice = "one" {
      \autoBeamOff
      \melody
    }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "one" \text
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


Single staff template with only notes

This very simple template gives you a staff with notes, suitable for a solo instrument or a melodic fragment. Cut and paste this into a file, add notes, and you’re finished!

melody = \relative c' {
  \clef treble
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4

  a4 b c d
}

\score {
  \new Staff \melody
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


String quartet template (simple)

This template demonstrates a simple string quartet. It also uses a \global section for time and key signatures

global= {
  \time 4/4
  \key c \major
}

violinOne = \new Voice \relative c'' {
  c2 d
  e1
  \bar "|."
}

violinTwo = \new Voice \relative c'' {
  g2 f
  e1
  \bar "|."
}

viola = \new Voice \relative c' {
  \clef alto
  e2 d
  c1
  \bar "|."
}

cello = \new Voice \relative c' {
  \clef bass
  c2 b
  a1
  \bar "|."
}

\score {
  \new StaffGroup <<
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Violin 1" }
    << \global \violinOne >>
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Violin 2" }
    << \global \violinTwo >>
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Viola" }
    << \global \viola >>
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Cello" }
    << \global \cello >>
  >>
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}

[image of music]


String quartet template with separate parts

The “String quartet template” snippet produces a nice string quartet, but what if you needed to print parts? This new template demonstrates how to use the \tag feature to easily split a piece into individual parts.

You need to split this template into separate files; the filenames are contained in comments at the beginning of each file. piece.ly contains all the music definitions. The other files – score.ly, vn1.ly, vn2.ly, vla.ly, and vlc.ly – produce the appropriate part.

Do not forget to remove specified comments when using separate files!

%%%%% piece.ly
%%%%% (This is the global definitions file)

global= {
  \time 4/4
  \key c \major
}


Violinone = \new Voice {
  \relative c'' {
    c2 d e1
    \bar "|."
  }
}


Violintwo = \new Voice {
  \relative c'' {
    g2 f e1
    \bar "|."
  }
}


Viola = \new Voice {
  \relative c' {
    \clef alto
    e2 d c1
    \bar "|."
  }
}


Cello = \new Voice {
  \relative c' {
    \clef bass
    c2 b a1
    \bar "|."
  }
}


music = {
  <<
    \tag #'score \tag #'vn1
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Violin 1" }
    << \global \Violinone >>

    \tag #'score \tag #'vn2
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Violin 2" }
    << \global \Violintwo>>

    \tag #'score \tag #'vla
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Viola" }
    << \global \Viola>>

    \tag #'score \tag #'vlc
    \new Staff \with { instrumentName = "Cello" }
    << \global \Cello >>
  >>
}

% These are the other files you need to save on your computer

% score.ly
% (This is the main file)

% uncomment the line below when using a separate file
%\include "piece.ly"

#(set-global-staff-size 14)

\score {
  \new StaffGroup \keepWithTag #'score \music
  \layout { }
  \midi { }
}


%{ Uncomment this block when using separate files

% vn1.ly
% (This is the Violin 1 part file)

\include "piece.ly"
\score {
  \keepWithTag #'vn1 \music
  \layout { }
}


% vn2.ly
% (This is the Violin 2 part file)

\include "piece.ly"
\score {
  \keepWithTag #'vn2 \music
  \layout { }
}


% vla.ly
% (This is the Viola part file)

\include "piece.ly"
\score {
  \keepWithTag #'vla \music
  \layout { }
}


% vlc.ly
% (This is the Cello part file)

\include "piece.ly"
\score {
  \keepWithTag #'vlc \music
  \layout { }
}

%}

[image of music]


Vocal ensemble template

Here is a standard four-part SATB vocal score. With larger ensembles, it is often useful to include a section which is included in all parts. For example, the time signature and key signature are almost always the same for all parts. Like in the “Hymn” template, the four voices are regrouped on only two staves.

\paper {
  top-system-spacing.basic-distance = #10
  score-system-spacing.basic-distance = #20
  system-system-spacing.basic-distance = #20
  last-bottom-spacing.basic-distance = #10
}

global = {
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4
}

sopMusic = \relative {
  c''4 c c8[( b)] c4
}
sopWords = \lyricmode {
  hi hi hi hi
}

altoMusic = \relative {
  e'4 f d e
}
altoWords = \lyricmode {
  ha ha ha ha
}

tenorMusic = \relative {
  g4 a f g
}
tenorWords = \lyricmode {
  hu hu hu hu
}

bassMusic = \relative {
  c4 c g c
}
bassWords = \lyricmode {
  ho ho ho ho
}

\score {
  \new ChoirStaff <<
    \new Lyrics = "sopranos" \with {
      % this is needed for lyrics above a staff
      \override VerticalAxisGroup.staff-affinity = #DOWN
    }
    \new Staff = "women" <<
      \new Voice = "sopranos" {
        \voiceOne
        << \global \sopMusic >>
      }
      \new Voice = "altos" {
        \voiceTwo
        << \global \altoMusic >>
      }
    >>
    \new Lyrics = "altos"
    \new Lyrics = "tenors" \with {
      % this is needed for lyrics above a staff
      \override VerticalAxisGroup.staff-affinity = #DOWN
    }
    \new Staff = "men" <<
      \clef bass
      \new Voice = "tenors" {
        \voiceOne
        << \global \tenorMusic >>
      }
      \new Voice = "basses" {
        \voiceTwo << \global \bassMusic >>
      }
    >>
    \new Lyrics = "basses"
    \context Lyrics = "sopranos" \lyricsto "sopranos" \sopWords
    \context Lyrics = "altos" \lyricsto "altos" \altoWords
    \context Lyrics = "tenors" \lyricsto "tenors" \tenorWords
    \context Lyrics = "basses" \lyricsto "basses" \bassWords
  >>
}

[image of music]


Vocal ensemble template with automatic piano reduction

This template adds an automatic piano reduction to the standard SATB vocal score demonstrated in “Vocal ensemble template”. This demonstrates one of the strengths of LilyPond – you can use a music definition more than once. If any changes are made to the vocal notes (say, tenorMusic), then the changes will also apply to the piano reduction.

\paper {
  top-system-spacing.basic-distance = #10
  score-system-spacing.basic-distance = #20
  system-system-spacing.basic-distance = #20
  last-bottom-spacing.basic-distance = #10
}

global = {
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4
}

sopMusic = \relative {
  c''4 c c8[( b)] c4
}
sopWords = \lyricmode {
  hi hi hi hi
}

altoMusic = \relative {
  e'4 f d e
}
altoWords =\lyricmode {
  ha ha ha ha
}

tenorMusic = \relative {
  g4 a f g
}
tenorWords = \lyricmode {
  hu hu hu hu
}

bassMusic = \relative {
  c4 c g c
}
bassWords = \lyricmode {
  ho ho ho ho
}

\score {
  <<
    \new ChoirStaff <<
      \new Lyrics = "sopranos" \with {
        % This is needed for lyrics above a staff
        \override VerticalAxisGroup.staff-affinity = #DOWN
      }
      \new Staff = "women" <<
        \new Voice = "sopranos" { \voiceOne << \global \sopMusic >> }
        \new Voice = "altos" { \voiceTwo << \global \altoMusic >> }
      >>
      \new Lyrics = "altos"
      \new Lyrics = "tenors" \with {
        % This is needed for lyrics above a staff
        \override VerticalAxisGroup.staff-affinity = #DOWN
      }

      \new Staff = "men" <<
        \clef bass
        \new Voice = "tenors" { \voiceOne << \global \tenorMusic >> }
        \new Voice = "basses" { \voiceTwo << \global \bassMusic >> }
      >>
      \new Lyrics = "basses"
      \context Lyrics = "sopranos" \lyricsto "sopranos" \sopWords
      \context Lyrics = "altos" \lyricsto "altos" \altoWords
      \context Lyrics = "tenors" \lyricsto "tenors" \tenorWords
      \context Lyrics = "basses" \lyricsto "basses" \bassWords
    >>
    \new PianoStaff <<
      \new Staff <<
        \set Staff.printPartCombineTexts = ##f
        \partCombine
        << \global \sopMusic >>
        << \global \altoMusic >>
      >>
      \new Staff <<
        \clef bass
        \set Staff.printPartCombineTexts = ##f
        \partCombine
        << \global \tenorMusic >>
        << \global \bassMusic >>
      >>
    >>
  >>
}

[image of music]


Vocal ensemble template with lyrics aligned below and above the staves

This template is basically the same as the simple “Vocal ensemble” template, with the exception that here all the lyrics lines are placed using alignAboveContext and alignBelowContext.

global = {
  \key c \major
  \time 4/4
}

sopMusic = \relative c'' {
  c4 c c8[( b)] c4
}
sopWords = \lyricmode {
  hi hi hi hi
}

altoMusic = \relative c' {
  e4 f d e
}
altoWords = \lyricmode {
  ha ha ha ha
}

tenorMusic = \relative c' {
  g4 a f g
}
tenorWords = \lyricmode {
  hu hu hu hu
}

bassMusic = \relative c {
  c4 c g c
}
bassWords = \lyricmode {
  ho ho ho ho
}

\score {
  \new ChoirStaff <<
    \new Staff = "women" <<
      \new Voice = "sopranos" { \voiceOne << \global \sopMusic >> }
      \new Voice = "altos" { \voiceTwo << \global \altoMusic >> }
    >>
    \new Lyrics \with { alignAboveContext = #"women" }
      \lyricsto "sopranos" \sopWords
    \new Lyrics \with { alignBelowContext = #"women" }
      \lyricsto "altos" \altoWords
    % we could remove the line about this with the line below, since
    % we want the alto lyrics to be below the alto Voice anyway.
    % \new Lyrics \lyricsto "altos" \altoWords

    \new Staff = "men" <<
      \clef bass
      \new Voice = "tenors" { \voiceOne << \global \tenorMusic >> }
      \new Voice = "basses" { \voiceTwo << \global \bassMusic >> }
    >>
    \new Lyrics \with { alignAboveContext = #"men" }
      \lyricsto "tenors" \tenorWords
    \new Lyrics \with { alignBelowContext = #"men" }
      \lyricsto "basses" \bassWords
    % again, we could replace the line above this with the line below.
    % \new Lyrics \lyricsto "basses" \bassWords
  >>
}

[image of music]


Vocal ensemble template with verse and refrain

This template creates a score which starts with a solo verse and continues into a refrain for two voices. It also demonstrates the use of spacer rests within the \global variable to define meter changes (and other elements common to all parts) throughout the entire score.

global = {
  \key g \major

  % verse
  \time 3/4
  s2.*2
  \break

  % refrain
  \time 2/4
  s2*2
  \bar "|."
}

SoloNotes = \relative g' {
  \clef "treble"

  % verse
  g4 g g |
  b4 b b |

  % refrain
  R2*2 |
}

SoloLyrics = \lyricmode {
  One two three |
  four five six |
}

SopranoNotes = \relative c'' {
  \clef "treble"

  % verse
  R2.*2 |

  % refrain
  c4 c |
  g4 g |
}

SopranoLyrics = \lyricmode {
  la la |
  la la |
}

BassNotes = \relative c {
  \clef "bass"

  % verse
  R2.*2 |

  % refrain
  c4 e |
  d4 d |
}

BassLyrics = \lyricmode {
  dum dum |
  dum dum |
}

\score {
  <<
    \new Voice = "SoloVoice" << \global \SoloNotes >>
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "SoloVoice" \SoloLyrics

    \new ChoirStaff <<
      \new Voice = "SopranoVoice" << \global \SopranoNotes >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "SopranoVoice" \SopranoLyrics

      \new Voice = "BassVoice" << \global \BassNotes >>
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "BassVoice" \BassLyrics
    >>
  >>
  \layout {
    ragged-right = ##t
    \context { \Staff
      % these lines prevent empty staves from being printed
      \RemoveEmptyStaves
      \override VerticalAxisGroup.remove-first = ##t
    }
  }
}

[image of music]


LilyPond — Snippets v2.24.4 (stable-branch).